Front Brake Switch - Ducati.ms

jas312 · Jul 17th, 2008, 11:12 am

Has anyone bought a "Radio Shack" micro switch, and tried to install it for the front brake switch?

My question is how did you wire it up? The switch I bought has 3 prongs for connections. The connection to the main harness has only two connections.

Also will the brake light come on when the switch is "disengaged"? I'm assuming when the lever on the microswitch is pushed down it will complete the circuit.

The brake lever switch should work in reverse. I want the brake light to come on when i pull the brake lever, but this will "disengage" the switch.

I hope this wasn't too confusing. Hopefully some of you out there know what I'm trying to accomplish.

Thanks for the help

n8nod9it · Jul 17th, 2008, 11:23 am

Just buy the microswitch on Ebay...i just bought one and its two prong. I think it was meant for a Honda but it worked on my Brembo radial MC

peteremsley · Jul 17th, 2008, 12:57 pm

you only use 2 of the 3 prongs. I believe the middle one is the common, and the other two complete a circuit when the swich is pushed or released. I don't remember which is which. Choose the one that completes the circuit when you pull on the lever, and release the switch. You want to cut the harness as close to the old switch as possible, and solder the new switch to it, once you have removed the activating lever, and probably cut off the prong you don't need.

jas312 · Jul 17th, 2008, 1:05 pm

I appreciate the help! I'll give it a try. I'm sure it will take a few tries

28482 · Aug 5th, 2008, 7:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jas312

Has anyone bought a "Radio Shack" micro switch, and tried to install it for the front brake switch?

My question is how did you wire it up? The switch I bought has 3 prongs for connections. The connection to the main harness has only two connections.

Also will the brake light come on when the switch is "disengaged"? I'm assuming when the lever on the microswitch is pushed down it will complete the circuit.

The brake lever switch should work in reverse. I want the brake light to come on when i pull the brake lever, but this will "disengage" the switch.

I hope this wasn't too confusing. Hopefully some of you out there know what I'm trying to accomplish.

Thanks for the help

Yes, it works fine. Use lever switch 275-0016 from Radio Shack for $3.95. You have to modify it a bit. If you have a dremel moto tool you will have no problem. Maybe a die grinder if you have some good hand coordination. Cut the lever off the switch with a dremel moto tool and cit off wheel. Drill the pre drilled holes in the micro switch one size larger than they come and oblong them so you can adjust the switch to operate correctly. Cut the wires at the old micro switch. Strip the wire a 1/16 of an inch and tin the leads. use heat shrink tubing to protect the switch tabs. Pre tin the outer most tabs on the micro switch (inner tab is not used). Solder the wire to the tabs and shrink the tube. Test the switch with your finger (turn the ignition key on).

However the switch is likely good. You will likely need to clean the small black plug that actualy acuates the micro switch. The small plastic plug seems to stick and that only needs a bit of cleaning, then use graphite to lube it after cleaning.

The micro switch is only $40 bucks from the dealer and easier to install. You keep your resale value and you dont ghetto out your bike. Ducs are way to nice to go the cheap route...

I used a radio shack switch due to availability and this kind of thing is extreemly low threat for me to do. I would place this at a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10. The dealer in LA is a real eye poke to use.

Catscaner · Aug 5th, 2008, 8:27 pm

I had mine go bad on my 916. I purchased the radio shack switch as well, however I did not like at all how it fit on the lever. My original switch itself was ok, but the plunger was gone. I was able to take a small Teflon sleeve and put in the end and it worked great.

I just found on Desmotimes website the other day though, the correct switch and leads for only $38. Go to the electrical section of the website.

drmoto · Aug 22nd, 2008, 7:42 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catscaner

I had mine go bad on my 916. I purchased the radio shack switch as well, however I did not like at all how it fit on the lever. My original switch itself was ok, but the plunger was gone. I was able to take a small Teflon sleeve and put in the end and it worked great.

I just found on Desmotimes website the other day though, the correct switch and leads for only $38. Go to the electrical section of the website.

2005 Multi 620.
Front brake switch stayed on, resulting in heat damage to the rear brake light lens. Had to replace the whole thing while touring in Germany.
Dealer in Frankfurt who took care of it told me there had been a factory recall. Could have been replaced under warranty at home. My US dealer had no idea.
Kissed good bye to a few hundred Euros needlessly.
Anyone heard about this issue?